# Apple OS X El Capitan vs Apple OS X Mountain Lion Comparison --- ## AI Generated Summary - **G2 reviewers report** that Apple OS X El Capitan offers a more polished user experience, with many users appreciating its improved performance on Intel devices and overall visual appeal. This is a notable upgrade from Mountain Lion, which, while innovative in its introduction of features like the notification center and iCloud integration, is seen as less visually streamlined by some users. - **Users say** that the ease of setup and administration is significantly better in El Capitan, with many finding the onboarding process intuitive and straightforward. In contrast, while Mountain Lion has its strengths, some users have noted configuration challenges that can complicate initial use. - **Reviewers mention** that Mountain Lion made a significant impact on communication for Mac users by replacing iChat with Messages, enhancing ecosystem integration. However, El Capitan builds on this foundation, providing a more consistent experience across Apple’s ecosystem, which users find reassuring and reliable. - **According to verified reviews** , El Capitan excels in RAM and I/O management, with users highlighting its efficiency in handling system resources. Mountain Lion, while competent, does not match the advanced management capabilities that El Capitan offers, which can lead to smoother multitasking and overall performance. - **Users report** that both operating systems have their merits in terms of support quality, but El Capitan edges out slightly with a higher satisfaction rating. Users appreciate the consistent support from Apple, which they feel is crucial for troubleshooting and maintaining system performance. - **Reviewers highlight** that while Mountain Lion introduced several groundbreaking features, El Capitan is viewed as a more mature and refined product, with users noting its reliability and ease of use as key factors in their satisfaction. This evolution reflects a commitment to enhancing user experience that resonates well with those who have transitioned from Mountain Lion. | | Apple OS X El Capitan | Apple OS X Mountain Lion | |---|---|---| | **Star Rating** | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.2 out of 5 | | **Total Reviews** | 263 | 221 | | **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (50.0% of reviews) | Small-Business (46.1% of reviews) | | **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | --- ## Top Pros & Cons ### Apple OS X El Capitan Pros: - Speed/Performance (3 reviews) - Stability (3 reviews) Cons: - Slow Updates (3 reviews) - App Incompatibility (1 reviews) ### Apple OS X Mountain Lion Pros: - Ease of Use (6 reviews) - Speed/Performance (5 reviews) Cons: - Compatibility Issues (4 reviews) - Installation Difficulties (2 reviews) --- ## Ratings Comparison | Rating | Apple OS X El Capitan | Apple OS X Mountain Lion | |---|---|---| | **Meets Requirements** | 9.0 (209 reviews) | 8.7 (159 reviews) | | **Ease of Use** | 9.3 (210 reviews) | 9.0 (161 reviews) | | **Ease of Setup** | 9.4 (53 reviews) | 8.9 (71 reviews) | | **Ease of Admin** | 8.3 (39 reviews) | 8.8 (41 reviews) | | **Quality of Support** | 8.4 (184 reviews) | 8.3 (146 reviews) | | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.2 (35 reviews) | 8.6 (43 reviews) | | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.8 (199 reviews) | 7.8 (157 reviews) | --- ## Pricing ### Apple OS X El Capitan #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial No information available ### Apple OS X Mountain Lion #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial No information available --- ## Features Comparison By Category ### Operating System | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Apple OS X El Capitan** | 9.4/10 | 12 | | **Apple OS X Mountain Lion** | 8.7/10 | 26 | #### Memory Management - Operating System | Feature | Apple OS X El Capitan | Apple OS X Mountain Lion | |---|---|---| | **RAM management** | 9.6 (8 reviews) | 8.7 (19 reviews) | #### Device Management - Operating System | Feature | Apple OS X El Capitan | Apple OS X Mountain Lion | |---|---|---| | **I/O management** | 9.7 (5 reviews) | 8.8 (23 reviews) | #### Backup and Recovery - Operating System | Feature | Apple OS X El Capitan | Apple OS X Mountain Lion | |---|---|---| | **Data backup** | 9.5 (7 reviews) | 9.0 (19 reviews) | #### Error Detection - Operating System | Feature | Apple OS X El Capitan | Apple OS X Mountain Lion | |---|---|---| | **System operations monitoring** | 8.7 (5 reviews) | 8.3 (20 reviews) | --- ## Categories **Shared Categories (1):** [Operating Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/operating-system) --- ## Reviewer Demographics ### By Company Size | Segment | Apple OS X El Capitan | Apple OS X Mountain Lion | |---|---|---| | **Small-Business** | 50.0% | 46.1% | | **Mid-Market** | 25.4% | 31.9% | | **Enterprise** | 24.6% | 22.1% | ### By Industry #### Apple OS X El Capitan - **Computer Software:** 15.6% - **Information Technology and Services:** 15.2% - **Higher Education:** 10.5% - **Internet:** 4.7% - **Marketing and Advertising:** 2.7% - **Education Management:** 2.3% - **Computer & Network Security:** 2.0% - **Music:** 2.0% - **Hospital & Health Care:** 2.0% - **Religious Institutions:** 2.0% - **Other:** 41.0% #### Apple OS X Mountain Lion - **Computer Software:** 19.2% - **Information Technology and Services:** 14.1% - **Internet:** 4.7% - **Higher Education:** 4.7% - **Primary/Secondary Education:** 3.3% - **Hospital & Health Care:** 2.8% - **Marketing and Advertising:** 2.3% - **Non-Profit Organization Management:** 2.3% - **Financial Services:** 2.3% - **Entertainment:** 2.3% - **Other:** 41.8% --- ## Alternatives ### Alternatives to Apple OS X El Capitan - [Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (2395 reviews) - [Windows 7](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-7/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (901 reviews) - [Android](https://www.g2.com/products/android/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1280 reviews) - [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (977 reviews) - [CentOS](https://www.g2.com/products/centos/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (425 reviews) - [Fedora](https://www.g2.com/products/fedora/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (214 reviews) - [Windows 8](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/reviews) — 3.7/5 stars (581 reviews) - [Oracle Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-linux/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (348 reviews) - [Linux Mint](https://www.g2.com/products/linux-mint/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (189 reviews) - [Windows 11](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-11/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (4313 reviews) ### Alternatives to Apple OS X Mountain Lion - [Windows 7](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-7/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (901 reviews) - [Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (2395 reviews) - [Windows 8](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/reviews) — 3.7/5 stars (581 reviews) - [Android](https://www.g2.com/products/android/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1280 reviews) - [Oracle Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-linux/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (348 reviews) - [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (977 reviews) - [CentOS](https://www.g2.com/products/centos/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (425 reviews) - [Parrot Security OS](https://www.g2.com/products/parrot-security-os/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (60 reviews) - [Fedora](https://www.g2.com/products/fedora/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (214 reviews) - [Windows 11](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-11/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (4313 reviews) --- ## Top Discussions ### Apple OS X El Capitan - Title: [What is Apple OS X El Capitan used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-apple-os-x-el-capitan-used-for) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "Apple OS X El Capitan is an operating system for Mac computers, released as part of the Mac OS X series. It focuses on improving the performance, stability,..." - Title: [Does El Capitan work on older Macs?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/does-el-capitan-work-on-older-macs) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "Define what you mean by older MAC ? How old?" - Title: [Eekekk](https://www.g2.com/discussions/eekekk) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "It project is very fast project it is important project it" - Title: [Why Photos app stuck the ram of my computer?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/50838-why-photos-app-stuck-the-ram-of-my-computer) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "nni serfis" - Title: [What other ways are you using CAPITAN to help with education?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/36732-what-other-ways-are-you-using-capitan-to-help-with-education) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Best help provided by Exactinside to pass Salesforce CRT-450 Exams. Visit Page: https://www.exactinside.com/CRT-450-exactdumps.html " ### Apple OS X Mountain Lion - Title: [What is Apple OS X Mountain Lion used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-apple-os-x-mountain-lion-used-for) — 2 comments > **Top comment:** "I don't know" - Title: [What's after Mac OS X Mountain Lion?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-s-after-mac-os-x-mountain-lion) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "Mavericks" - Title: [Is OS X Mountain Lion free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-os-x-mountain-lion-free) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "No, its 19.95$" - Title: [Is Mountain Lion still supported by Apple?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-mountain-lion-still-supported-by-apple) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "if still" - Title: [better this app is updated to increase capacity](https://www.g2.com/discussions/42281-better-this-app-is-updated-to-increase-capacity) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Yes" --- **Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/apple-os-x-el-capitan-vs-apple-os-x-mountain-lion)